GuitarDistortedRiff
Story of My Life Riff Guitar Tone Settings — Social Distortion
Social Distortion · 1990s · punk
studio
Original Recording
Guitar
Gibson Les Paul Custom (white or black, as seen in 'Story of My Life' video and live 1990 footage)
Pickups
Gibson PAF-style humbuckers
Amp
Fender Bassman (vintage, likely silverface or blackface, as used by Mike Ness in studio during this era)
Pickup Position
Bridge pickup
Studio recording, 1990. Mike Ness is seen using a white Les Paul Custom in the official video and black Les Paul Custom in live 1990 footage. Amp is confirmed as Fender Bassman for studio albums of this era. No evidence of Marshall or other amps for this track. Pedals used are inferred from era-correct rig rundowns and pedalboard photos, but only those with evidence for this era/album are included.
Amp Settings
Mids7
Bass6
Gain6
Reverb2
Treble6.5
Presence6
Effects Chain
- Boss SD-1 Super OverDrive · overdrive
Guitar → Boss SD-1 Super OverDrive → Fender Bassman (spring reverb on low)
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Tone Character
- punchy and mid-forward
- open, dynamic crunch
- tight and percussive attack
- slightly gritty edge
- articulate chord definition
- classic punk/roots rock drive
- warm, full-bodied rhythm
- clear note separation
- vintage amp breakup
- no excessive saturation